Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Soffix Polyester Fixation Device

One hundred and eight patients, who had undergone reconstruction of a chronic symptomatic anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee, using the Soffix fixation device with autologous hamstring tendons, were evaluated prospectively. A four strand semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendon graft with the polyester Soffix (Surgicraft Ltd, UK) fixation device was placed via an instrument guided tibial tunnel and an over the top femoral route. Follow up evaluation included clinical examination, KT 2000 arthrometric side to side difference (SSD) assessment, Lysholm, Tegner and IKDC scoring. The mean follow up time was 19.8 months (range 12 to 40 months). The overall mean SSD was 2.2±1.5mm, a mean Lysholm score of 92.5±7.4 was obtained and 86% of patients has an IKDC score of normal ( A ) or nearly normal (B). We conclude that reconstruction of the ACL in the chronically deficient knee, using the Soffix for fixation of an autologous hamstring graft is a reproducible technique, which can restore knee stability with good short-term results.